It’s time for us to tell you a secret…and it’s a bit “Naughty”. #Out and About

Victoria Hayes
31st January 2023

We confess, we probably should have told you before….but we have a new favourite spot for lunch in Chester City Centre. I know, we promised we’d always tell you…and we have…now.

The Naughty Badger Bistro is tucked up on Bridge Street Rows, with seating on the rows themselves and then upstairs to their intimate space with views down Bridge street and the smell of delicious cooking alongside the quirky décor.  

Teana Lynne and Andy Shelton are the new co-owners of the Naughty Badger Bistro after spotting a social media post from the previous owners offering it for sale for just £6,000. Teana and Andy jumped at the chance to take on their own business bringing with them buckets of experience in hospitality, Food, Drink, and customer service. Teana and Andy are well known couple in Chester. Teana is a model and winner of Miss Classic British Isles and Andy is a former Chester FC player, but with this latest venture they are joining forces, with Andy in the kitchen and Teana taking the front of house position.

As you come up the stairs you are greeted with a warm smile, the smell of excellent coffee and the sight of “naughty” cake waiting for you! When seated, the drinks options are not just the usual soft drinks, coffees, naughty hot chocolates etc, as it’s licensed, there are lovely wine options, local beers and even fizz. Ladies who lunch will love this place!! 

The menu offers a range of lunch options, from 12 – 5pm you can have sharing boards, sandwiches or burgers, with delicious starters and sides.

Briony went for the Philly cheese steak, locally sourced sirloin steak, melted mozzarella, mushrooms and caramelised onions on warm sourdough. i went for the locally sourced flaked smoked salmon served with heritage tomato, rocket, lemon and horseradish creme on warm rye bread. Both of these came with fries and we are OBSESSED with the seasoning Andy has found for his fries. The secret recipe should come with a warning… THESE FRIES ARE HIGHLY ADDICTIVE.  (in the best possible way!).

Andy said they were proud to be using local suppliers such as David Joinson Meats and the Bear Bakery on Sealand Road, along with the Cheese Wedge off Watergate Street, their cake comes from Cake on Bridge Street and sourdough bread from the Jaunty Bakery on Bridge Street.

“We want people to feel at home, cosy and comfortable but with really great food”, said co owner Teana aka Mrs Badger-to-be. Teana is keen for her customers to find their secret sett and treat it as their own hideaway. Teana keeps service running smoothly, but isn’t afraid to spend some time with her customers, making them friends, and always keeping that personal touch.

We can’t wait to go back as the rumour has it the breakfasts are insanely good. With local meats the cooked breakfast looks really special and the protein pancakes for the more health conscious are packed with flavour.  For me, it’ll be the eggs benedict though because Andy is quite the sauce master and I cannot wait to try his hollandaise. I should really mention that he makes his own burger sauce. It is lush. I had a small pot to taste and ended up swiping it clean with my bread!

Andy is already experimenting with some small changes to the menu. His soups of the day are bursting with flavour and over these cold months are just bliss. He’s testing loaded fries and new mozzarella melts for the cheese lovers. Whenever you are there you are certain to have a new option to trial while he maintains the old favourites.

Alongside the day to day, The Naughty Badger is available to hire privately, for parties, lunches, product launches, networking events and even intimate dinners. In fact, they have just run a competition to win a private chef experience for Valentines Day which is set to be something truly special for the winning couple, a memory I’m sure they’ll cherish.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the bistro is in an old building and there are steps going up. It may not be suitable for those who struggle with stairs sadly, but I’m sure in the summer time you can enjoy their food sat on the rows with a lovely glass of vino.

We hope you will join us in supporting this fantastic local bistro. Try it with your friends and family next time you are in town, for breakfast or lunch.

Follow them on instagram for more badger fun…. The Naughty Badger Bistro (@thenaughtybadgerbistro) • Instagram photos and videos